Homeworking agency Holidaysplease reported its highest ever level of sales revenue on Wednesday (January 26) as bookings are “flooding in”.
Wednesday’s figure was 20% more than its previous record for a single day – and the past week has also seen four out of the five best booking days in its 20-year history.
Cat Reeves (pictured), brand and business growth executive, said one booking this week was worth £81,000.
Popular destinations are the Indian Ocean, US and Caribbean, with holiday types ranging from “long-awaited” honeymoons to family holidays and groups, she added.
“People are certainly prepared to spend a bit more and treat themselves for all the holidaying they have missed and to unwind from the stresses of the last two years,” she said.
“People have a ‘let’s do it attitude’ when it comes to upgrading and adding on experiences and extras.”
Richard Dixon, director, added: “We’ve successfully generated good levels of new business throughout the pandemic, but there is no doubt that January has been a big jump forward.”
His fellow director, Charles Duncombe, said the company was reaping the benefits of recruiting during the pandemic rather than making staff redundant.
“We also have forward business that is more than double pre-pandemic levels,” said Duncombe.
“With Covid ever-present though, you can never be complacent and it’s a question of making hay while the sun shines.”
Reeves said the relaxation of travel restrictions earlier this month has helped consumer confidence, along with the appreciation of the role of a “good travel agent”.
However, she said there have been problems for agents trying to contact suppliers, which is a major hurdle as bookings come through.
One agent estimated they had spent about 18 hours holding for one supplier in particular over the past two weeks – meaning they were unable to talk to other clients on the phone during that time.
Earlier this month, the homeworking agency took on Louise Baxendell as recruitment executive to help the company find new agents, and Reeves said: “We still have a pool brimming with exciting enquiries [which] is why we are still recruiting.”
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